Eva Aariak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eva Aariak
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Aariak in 2023
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| 6th Commissioner of Nunavut | |
| Assumed office January 14, 2021 |
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| Prime Minister | Justin Trudeau Mark Carney |
| Premier | Joe Savikataaq P. J. Akeeagok |
| Preceded by | Rebekah Williams (acting) |
| 2nd Premier of Nunavut | |
| In office November 19, 2008 – November 19, 2013 |
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| Commissioner | Ann Meekitjuk Hanson Edna Elias |
| Preceded by | Paul Okalik |
| Succeeded by | Peter Taptuna |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut | |
| In office October 27, 2008 – October 28, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Ed Picco |
| Succeeded by | riding redistributed |
| Constituency | Iqaluit East |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Eva Qamaniq Aarik
January 10, 1955 Arctic Bay, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut), Canada |
| Political party | Independent |
| Residences | Iqaluit, Nunavut |
| Occupation | CBC reporter, teacher, Languages Commissioner of Nunavut |
Eva Qamaniq Aariak (born January 10, 1955) is an important Canadian politician. She is an Inuk woman from Nunavut. She has held many important roles in her home territory.
In 2008, she was elected to represent Iqaluit East in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. Soon after, she was chosen to be the second Premier of Nunavut. This is like being the head of the government for the territory. Eva Aariak was the fifth woman in Canada to become a premier. In January 2021, she became the sixth Commissioner of Nunavut.
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Early Life and Career
Eva Aariak was born in Arctic Bay, which is now part of Nunavut. Before she became a politician, she worked as a reporter for CBC. She also taught the Inuktitut language.
Languages Commissioner
Eva Aariak was the very first Languages Commissioner for Nunavut. This job involves protecting and promoting the different languages spoken in the territory. She started this role in 1999 and continued until 2004.
As Languages Commissioner, she helped choose an Inuktitut word for the Internet. The word she picked was ikiaqqivik. This word means "travelling through layers." It refers to an angakkuq, which is a traditional Inuit spiritual healer. An angakkuq would travel through time and space to find answers.
After her time as Languages Commissioner, Eva Aariak taught Inuktitut at the Pirurvik Centre in Iqaluit. She also owned a store called Malikkaat. This store in Iqaluit sold Inuit arts and crafts. Later, in 2007, she was asked to be the acting Languages Commissioner again for a short time.
She also helped with a program that published Inuktitut language books. She was the president of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce. She also chaired the Nunavut Film Development Corporation. Her daughter, Karliin, became Nunavut's new Languages Commissioner in 2020.
Political Journey
Eva Aariak was the only woman elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2008. She felt it was important for more women to be involved in politics. She suggested that better daycare services could help women participate more. She also thought Nunavut should consider changing how elections work to ensure more women are elected.
Later, two other women, Jeannie Ugyuk and Monica Ell-Kanayuk, were also elected to the legislature.
Becoming Premier
On November 14, 2008, Eva Aariak was chosen as the new Premier of Nunavut. She was selected over the previous premier, Paul Okalik, and another politician, Tagak Curley. Nunavut has a special system called consensus government. This means that members of the Legislative Assembly choose the premier from among themselves.
Eva Aariak was the sixth woman in Canada to become a premier. This was a big achievement for her and for women in politics.
After the Premiership
In September 2013, Eva Aariak announced that she would run for re-election as an MLA. However, she said she would not seek a second term as premier. In the election held on October 28, 2013, she was not re-elected as an MLA. She lost by a small number of votes to George Hickes.
On November 19, 2018, Eva Aariak was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is a very high honour in Canada. She received it for her work in promoting Inuit culture and languages. She was also recognized for her efforts to reduce poverty and promote fairness for everyone.
In January 2021, Eva Aariak took on another important role. She became the sixth Commissioner of Nunavut. The Commissioner is the representative of the King of Canada in the territory. This role is similar to a lieutenant governor in a province.
Honours and Awards
Eva Aariak has received several important honours for her dedication and work.
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| Ribbon | Description | Post-nominal letters | Notes |
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Member of the Order of Canada | CM | This is one of Canada's highest civilian honours. |
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Member of the Order of Nunavut | ONu | This is the highest honour given by the territory of Nunavut. |
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | This medal was given to Canadians to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. | |
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King Charles III Coronation Medal | This medal was given to Canadians to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. |
See also
In Spanish: Eva Aariak para niños
